Ciao!
It’s time to reminisce more about my Italy adventures. Did you read my past posts about my first-time visit to Milan and the wonderful walking tour of the city with an inside look at The Last Supper and Duomo?
My sister N and I couldn’t go to Milan and not visit the land of the rich and famous. That’s why when we were planning our trip we booked a Viator excursion with a cruise on Lake Como including stops in Bellagio and Lugano (which is in Switzerland).
The tranquil landscape of Lake Como in Northern Italy
Driving out of Milan
Our motor coach left early a.m. from outside the Porta Garibaldi Train Station. It was a picture-perfect Sunday with sunshine and bright blue skies. Our guide Alice welcomed the group with visitors from Utah, Australia, United Kingdom and Hawaii. It was about an hour drive to Como.
Approaching the city, Alice pointed out spots of interest. “George Clooney’s villa is lakeside and heavily secluded by a gate and trees. Paparazzi are all around when he and his family are in town. There’s Cafe Motta. It’s a famous place in Lake Como where bikers go,” she said.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is the most luxurious place to stay in Lake Como
Upon arrival, we walked on the main road built by the Romans. The unique stone street crosses all the villages of Lake Como and is really built for cars not pedestrians.
We strolled by the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, known for its stunning location, high-end amenities, and rich history. Greta Garbo stayed here when filming Grand Hotel in 1932 and I’m sure many other celebs continue to now. Ooh, ooh, ooh, maybe if I ever hit the lottery I’ll come back and enjoy a lakeside vacay at this Art Nouveau palace. A lake view room is $1800 euro a night. Ouch.
Spectacular scenery along Lake Como
The best way to experience Lake Como is by boat. We were glad that the weather was warmer for our sail. “Como Lake has two souls,” said Alice. “It is the deepest lake in Europe with blue-green waters totally surrounded by mountains.”
There were amazing homes along the water. “The yellow villa is where James Bond, House of Gucci and Ocean’s Eleven movies were filmed,” said Alice. The gardens are beautiful.
Several movies were filmed in this villa on Lake Como
We passed Richard Branson’s property. Alice told us that his famous orange villa cost $30 million euros. She said it can be rented out for weddings. OMG if my daughter A gets married it would be a great location for a destination nuptial. For a max of 17 people – that’s a tiny weddng – the cost to rent based on 2023 prices is almost $200,000 euro for a 7 night stay. Double ouch!
Richard Branson’s villa can be booked for weddings
On a more somber note, Alice noted the house where Mussolini was killed. “Now it is a bed and breakfast,” she said. Don’t think I’ll stay there.
Bellagio — the pearl of Lake Como
By noontime, we descended on Bellagio, for a midday break. Bellagio is the most visited village on the Lake.
“Bella means beautiful or gorgeous and gio means relax in Italian. Together Bellagio means beautiful way to relax,” explained Alice. After our walkabout and a bit of shopping — Como is known for elegant handmade silk scarves and ties made by locals — we made our way to Suisse Restaurant (that Alice had suggested) for lunch along the waterfront.
Our stylish Italian adventure included a stopoff in Bellagio
“Risotto with perch fish is the popular dish in this area as is pasta with butter and sage,” said Alice.
Our meal at Suisse was one of the best we had on the trip. I ordered veal ravioli with butter and sage. Any recipe with fresh sage is a favorite. The homemade pasta was so good, so good, so good. Although when I saw the waiter making Fettuccine Alfredo in a Parmesan cheese barrel and serving the long strands to another patron I wanted a taste. Next time.
I savored every bite of homemade veal ravioli with butter and sage from the Suisse Restaurant in Bellagio
Lugano — the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”
Soon we were back on the boat and then on the bus for our ride to Lugano. “Lugano used to be part of Italy but became part of Switzerland in the 15th Century,” said Alice. This Italian-speaking Swiss town is another playground for celebs.
Looking out on Lake Como from the Swiss side in Lugano
We were disappointed that most of Lugano’s bustling downtown is closed on Sunday. The only open retail shops were a very expensive chocolatier, a gelateria, and a few restaurants. With an hour to spare and no place to escape the heat, we opted for some excellent gelato at Gelateria Veneta and took in the scenic alpine views.
Bye bye Lake Como
It had been a lovely day exploring this section of the Lombardy countryside. We both agreed that Lake Como is worthwhile seeing but next time we would go on a weekday, when downtown Lugano establishments are open.
Next up I’ll be sharing the fun cooking class N and I experienced in Milan. Then it’s on to Cinque Terre.
Alla prossima.
Judi
Reader S said: “Great summary. I look forward to the rest.”
Your photos are absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Warm greetings from a 68 year old retired lady living in Montreal, Canada.
Thanks Linda. It was a beautiful place to take photos.